Rollout Phases

For larger organizations, a 3-phase model works best. Key point: from phase 2 onward, broad adoption and deeper integration run in parallel.

Typical timing model

• Phase 1 Pilot: about 3 months
• Phase 2 Scale & Deepen: about 6-12 months
• Phase 3 Deep Integration & Autonomy: ongoing from month 16

Phase 1: Pilot (about 3 months)

Goal: fast startup with visible outcomes.

• build a small champion group
• deliver first production use-cases
• define standards for prompting, assistants, and workflows
• connect first core integrations

Outcome:

• core team and role model in place
• first assistants/workflows in production
• adoption baseline measurable

Phase 2: Scale & Deepen (about 6-12 months)

Two tracks run at the same time.

Track A Broad adoption:

• onboard additional teams/sites in a structured way
• establish training, FAQ, and office-hour routines
• roll out standard use-cases for broad user groups

Track B Champions & depth:

• champions build internal assistants and use-cases
• continuously deepen integrations
• transfer AI know-how into the organization

Outcome:

• adoption grows steadily across functions
• repeatable patterns per team/function
• deep use-cases evolve alongside broad rollout

Phase 3: Deep Integration & Autonomy

This phase focuses on deep data integration while keeping adoption stable.

Track A Operations & adoption:

• institutionalize internal enablement
• anchor champions as internal multipliers
• establish playbooks per function

Track B Deep data integration:

• ERP integration and other complex systems
• deeper data pipelines, SQL/DWH, RAG extensions
• advanced automations and process agents

Outcome:

• internal team operates largely independently
• deep integrations deliver measurable process impact
• champions continue to receive targeted coaching

Choosing a rollout unit

For how to decide between a site-, function-, or process-based rollout (or a hybrid), see Rollout Design.

Decision rule

Choose the unit where you can deliver visible outcomes in 6-8 weeks.

Visual one-pager

• Executive OnePager

Next pages

• Operating Model
• Responsibility Model
• Tailoring Playbook